"The pair had collected money from various places but instead of making deposits, they took the money for themselves," Maluleke said. "The theft was reported by the pair's manager after Maluleke and Luvhimbi failed to account for the missing money."

Maluleke said almost R2.7m was recovered when they were arrested.

The money was buried in their yards in ice-cream containers and refuse bags. One of the men had already bought a new double-cab bakkie and building material, which were confiscated by the investigating team.